JP5134113B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a ball ball game machine or a revolving type gaming machine, and in particular, to a gaming machine having a presentation operation means that can be operated by a player and having a presentation mode performed by operating the presentation operation means. .

Conventionally, as a ball ball game machine as an example of a game machine, the game ball is fired on the game board by operating the handle, and responds to the game ball entering the start opening provided on the game board. It is known that a jackpot game is executed when the effect symbol of the effect display unit starts to change, the changing operation of the effect symbol stops and a predetermined jackpot symbol is displayed.
In recent years, in order to raise a player's participation consciousness to a game, there are some which are provided with an effect button that can be operated by the player separately from the handle. For example, Patent Document 1 below proposes a ball game machine in which an operation of an effect button is validated in a predetermined button effect mode and a button lottery is performed for each operation of the effect button in the button effect mode. In Patent Literature 1, a predetermined period is determined as an execution period of the button effect mode.

JP 2010-110517 A

The inventors of the present application are considering displaying the remaining execution period of the button effect mode on the liquid crystal display unit in order to improve the interest of the player in such an effect mode (button effect mode). However, the player's interest cannot be sufficiently improved only by displaying the remaining execution period in the button effect mode.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can further enhance the interest of the effect mode using the effect operation means.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention according to claim 1 has a production operation means (11) that can be operated by a player, and determines whether or not to execute a special production advantageous to the player. In the production mode, when a predetermined operation lottery is executed in connection with the operation of the production operation means, and the special lottery condition is satisfied when the operation lottery is won and a predetermined special production execution condition is satisfied, the special lottery is executed. In the gaming machine (1) in which an effect mode in which an effect is executed is prepared, it is managed by a remaining period management means (49) for managing the remaining execution period of the effect mode and the remaining period management means. Whether or not the remaining execution period of the effect mode is extended in relation to the operation of the effect mode end control means (31A) for ending the effect mode in response to the absence of the period and the effect operation means. Decide An extension determination lottery execution means (31A) for executing an extension determination lottery, and a period extension means (31A) for extending the period managed by the remaining period management means when winning the extension determination lottery It is a gaming machine including.

In addition, although the alphanumeric characters in parentheses represent corresponding components in the embodiments described later, the scope of the claims is not intended to be limited to the embodiments. The same applies hereinafter.
According to this configuration, the operation lottery is executed in relation to the operation of the effect operation means during the effect mode. Further, during the effect mode, an extension determination lottery for determining whether or not to extend the effect mode is executed. By extending the effect mode, the number of operation lotteries executed during the effect mode increases and the progress of the effect increases, so the probability that the special effect will be executed after the execution of the effect mode can be increased. Thereby, the interest of the production mode using the production operation means can be further improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the period extension unit may extend a period managed by the remaining period management unit up to a predetermined upper limit period. In this case, since the production mode is not extended indefinitely, it is possible to prevent the production mode from becoming too advantageous to the player, and thus, the interest of the production mode can be kept high.
The lottery random number acquiring means (31A) for acquiring the lottery random number for the operation lottery in response to the operation of the effect operating means during execution of the effect mode as described in claim 3, The operation lottery and the extension determination lottery may be one lottery that shares the lottery random number acquired by the lottery random number acquisition unit. In this case, by sharing the lottery random numbers used for the operation lottery and the extension determination lottery, the types of lottery random numbers to be used can be reduced, thereby facilitating the program design.

The winning numerical value storing means (45; 145A, 145B) for storing the winning numerical value for the operation lottery and the winning numerical value for the extension determination lottery as described in claim 4 is further included. The winning numerical value for operation lottery stored in the storage means and the winning numerical value for extension determination lottery may be different from each other.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the remaining period managing means includes a remaining period timer (49) comprising a subtracting timer, and the gaming machine starts executing the effect mode and starts subtracting the remaining period timer. The production mode start control means (31A) is further included, and the production mode end control means ends the production mode when the value of the remaining period timer becomes zero, and the period extension means An addition means (31A) for adding the value of the remaining period timer when the decision lottery is won may be included.

Invention of Claim 6 is a game machine as described in any one of Claims 1-4 further including the remaining period display means (61) which displays the period currently managed by the said remaining period management means. .
According to this configuration, during the effect mode, the remaining execution period of the effect mode is displayed on the remaining period display means. The remaining execution period displayed on the remaining period display means decreases with the passage of time in the effect mode. When the extension determination lottery is won during the effect mode and the remaining execution period of the effect mode is extended, the remaining execution period displayed on the remaining period display means increases accordingly. Therefore, it is possible to make the player recognize the extension of the remaining execution of the effect mode more effectively.

1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view which shows schematic structure of the game board of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of the ball game machine shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure in the part relevant to the effect control board and effect interface board which are shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display screen in the button effect mode in the liquid crystal display unit shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the content of the winning table for button effects shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the control program of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the timer interruption process of a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the special symbol management process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 1st starting port check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the 2nd starting port check process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of an effect lottery process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the button production mode shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the display image of the liquid crystal display unit in a reach state. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit at the time of the start of button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit next to FIG. 14B in button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit next to FIG. 14C in button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit next to FIG. 14D in button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit next to FIG. 14E in button production mode. It is a figure which shows the image displayed on a liquid crystal display unit next to FIG. 14F in button production mode. It is a figure which shows the content of the winning table for button effects contained in the effect control board of the ball game machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention (the 1). It is a figure which shows the content of the winning table for button effects contained in the effect control board of the ball game machine which concerns on other embodiment of this invention (the 2).

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ball game machine (game machine) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, a ball game machine (pachinko machine) 1 will be described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to a ball game machine, and may be applied to other game machines such as a revolving game machine represented by a slot machine. Can be applied.
A bullet ball gaming machine 1 includes an outer frame 2 having a substantially square frame shape for mounting (installation) on an amusement island arranged in a game store, and an inner frame 3 attached to the outer frame 2 so as to be able to open one side. And. The inner frame 3 is rotatably held around the rotation axis of the hinge 4 by the left and right hinges 4 of the outer frame 2, for example, the left hinge 4.

  A game board 5 (see FIG. 2) is accommodated and held in the upper part of the inner frame 3. A launching device (not shown) is accommodated and held in the lower part of the inner frame 3. A safe ball recovery unit (not shown) is disposed below the game board 5 in the inner frame 3. A front door 6 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. A lower opening / closing plate 7 is provided on the front side of the inner frame 3 below the front door 6 so as to be opened and closed. The front door 6 is formed with a substantially circular opening 8 at a position facing the game board 5. A transparent plate 9 such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 8, and the game board 5 on the back side of the transparent plate 9 is visually recognized through the transparent plate 9 with the front door 6 closed. Can be done. A pair of left and right speakers 28 are disposed on the upper portion of the front door 6. In addition, a pair of left and right game lamps 27 is disposed at the lower part of the front door 6.

  On the lower opening / closing plate 7, an upper plate 10 for storing game balls used for a game and a lower plate 12 for receiving a game ball overflowing from the upper plate 10 through an overflow path (not shown) are arranged vertically. Is provided. On the upper surface of the upper plate 10, a push button type effect button (effect operation means) 11 that can be pushed (operated) by the player is disposed. The effect button 11 has a built-in lamp, and the effect can be changed by pressing the lamp when the lamp is lit. The effect button 11 has not only a simple function that can be pushed, but also a function as a cross key type push button that can be pushed up, down, left, and right, thereby enabling the player to set an effect. It has become. On the right side of the lower plate 12, a handle 13 that is operated when a game ball is launched into the game board 5 is disposed. A player can launch a game ball from the launching device toward the board surface of the game board 5 by holding the handle 13 and rotating it, and by adjusting the rotation angle of the handle 13, The momentum of the game ball fired toward the board surface of the board 5 can be adjusted.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the game board 5 of the ball game machine 1.
On the board surface of the game board 5, a substantially arc-shaped guide rail 14 for guiding the game ball launched from the launch device to the upper left part of the game board 5 is disposed. A large number of obstacle nails 16 (only some of the obstacle nails 16 are shown in FIG. 2) are arranged on the surface of the game board 5, and the right side along the guide rail 14 from the upper left side of the game board 5. The game balls released obliquely upward flow down along the board surface of the game board 5 through a large number of obstacle nails 16.

A liquid crystal display unit (effect display unit) 15 is disposed in the center of the board surface of the game board 5. The liquid crystal display unit 15 is for displaying effect symbols, predetermined messages, and the like.
Below the liquid crystal display unit 15, a first special symbol start port 18 and a second special symbol start port 28 are arranged vertically. The first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 are provided so that game balls flowing down along the surface of the game board 5 can enter.

  On the board surface of the game board 5, an electric tulip accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 19 including a pair of blades is disposed in association with the second special symbol starting port 28. The electric tulip accessory 19 is usually constricted in a state where the tip portions of the blades are close to each other (narrowed state; the same applies hereinafter). In the constricted state of the electric tulip accessory 19, the game ball flowing down along the board surface of the game board 5 enters the second special symbol start opening 28, and is paired with the accessory of the first special symbol start opening 18. Blocked by the blades. Then, in the state where the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded, each of the blades of the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded so that a game ball can enter the second special symbol start opening 28, 2 The special symbol start port 28 is opened.

In addition, the structure of the electric tulip accessory 19 is not limited to this, For example, the structure which withdraws in the front-back direction may be sufficient, and the big prize opening opening / closing board (special electric accessory) 21 described below is sufficient. Similarly, the configuration may be such that it tilts to the near side about the rotation axis.
When a game ball enters the first or second special symbol start opening 18, 28, a predetermined number (for example, three balls for entering the game ball into the first special symbol start port 18, and the second special symbol start opening 18, 28). 5 prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3). In addition, a big hit lottery (special profit state lottery) for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state is executed in accordance with the game ball entering the first or second special symbol start opening 18, 28. The

  Below the second special symbol starting port 28, that is, below the board surface of the game board 5, for example, a large winning port 20 having a long rectangular shape on the left and right is disposed. The big winning opening 20 is formed in a size that allows a plurality of (for example, 3 to 4) game balls to enter simultaneously in the left-right direction. In relation to the big prize opening 20, a big prize opening opening / closing plate 21 capable of opening and closing the big prize opening 20 is provided. The big prize opening / closing plate 21 closes the big prize opening 20 in a state along the board surface of the game board 5 and can prevent the game ball from entering the big prize opening 20. A game ball that flows down onto the grand prize opening 20 is opened by tilting to the near side with a pivot shaft (not shown) arranged along the lower edge of the mouth 20 as a center. It can be introduced into the big prize opening 20. When a game ball enters the big prize opening 20, a predetermined number (for example, 10 balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3).

A normal symbol gate 17 through which a game ball flowing down along the board surface of the game board 5 can pass is disposed on the right side of the liquid crystal display unit 15, that is, on the right side of the board surface of the game board 5. When the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 17, a normal symbol lottery for determining whether or not to expand the electric tulip accessory 19 (whether or not to execute the normal profit state) is executed.
A first special symbol display means 22, a second special symbol display means 23, and a normal symbol display means 26 are disposed in the outer region of the guide rail 14 in the upper right portion of the game board 5. These display means 22, 23, and 26 are arranged in a line in this order from the upper right part of the game board 5 toward the lower right direction.

  The first special symbol display means 22 is for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery executed for entering the game ball into the first special symbol start opening 18, and is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. ing. In the first special symbol display means 22, a symbol variation operation realized by alternately switching each symbol between “8” and “−” at high speed is executed for a predetermined symbol variation time. If the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (when it is determined to execute the special profit state), after the symbol variation time has elapsed, the special symbol for jackpot is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display means 22 and the jackpot If the result of the lottery is lost, the special symbol for shift is stopped and displayed on the first special symbol display means 22 after the symbol variation time has elapsed.

  The second special symbol display means 23 is for displaying the result of the jackpot lottery executed for the entrance of the game ball into the second special symbol start port 28, and is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. ing. In the second special symbol display means 23, a symbol variation operation realized by switching each symbol alternately between “8” and “−” at high speed is executed during a predetermined symbol variation time. When the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot (when it is determined to execute the special profit state), after the symbol change time has elapsed, the special symbol for jackpot is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display means 23, and the jackpot If the result of the lottery is lost, the special symbol for shifting is stopped and displayed on the second special symbol display means 23 after the symbol variation time has elapsed.

  The normal symbol display means 26 is for displaying the result of the normal symbol lottery executed for the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17, and is constituted by, for example, a 7-segment display. In the normal symbol display means 26, a symbol variation operation realized by alternately switching each symbol between “8” and “−” at high speed is executed for a predetermined symbol variation time. When the result of the normal symbol lottery is a win (when the expansion of the electric tulip accessory 19 is determined), the normal symbol for winning is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display means 26 after the elapse of the symbol variation time, If the result of the normal symbol lottery is out of date, the normal symbol for shift is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display means 26 after the symbol variation time has elapsed.

  The result of the big hit lottery is displayed not only on the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23 but also on the liquid crystal display unit 15. That is, during the special symbol changing operation of the special symbol display means 22 and 23, the effect symbol changing operation by the liquid crystal display unit 15 is executed. When the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the jackpot effect symbol is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 after the effect symbol changing operation is completed. Further, when the result of the big hit lottery is lost, the effect symbol for losing is stopped and displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 after the changing operation of the effect symbol is completed.

  Further, in the outer area of the guide rail 14 in the upper right part of the game board 5, the number of symbol change operations of the first special symbol display means 22 being held and the symbol change of the second special symbol display means 23 being held are displayed. Special symbol hold display means (not shown) for displaying the number of movements respectively, and normal symbol hold display means (not shown) for displaying the number of symbol variation actions of the held normal symbol display means 26 ) Are arranged.

The ball game machine 1 is provided with a probability variation game. The jackpot probability in the jackpot lottery during the probability variation game is set to 1/40, for example. Further, the jackpot probability when the probability varying game is not executed is set to a probability lower than the jackpot probability during the probability varying game, for example, 1/400.
In addition, a support game is also executed during the probability variation game. When the support game is not executed, that is, when the probability variation game is not executed, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 with respect to the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17 is 27 seconds, for example, and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is For example, it is 1/100, and the number of times the second special symbol start opening 28 is opened (the number of times the electric tulip accessory 19 is expanded) at the time of winning the normal symbol lottery is one time, for example, the time required for each opening is 0.2, for example. Seconds. Therefore, in the bullet ball game machine 1, the electric tulip accessory 19 is rarely expanded when the probability variation game is not executed, so that the game ball flowing down the board surface of the game board 5 is the second special symbol start port. 28 hardly enters the ball.

  On the other hand, during the support game, that is, during the probability variation game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 with respect to the passing of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17 is, for example, 2.7 seconds. The probability is 1 / 1.1, for example, the number of times the second special symbol start port 28 is opened at the time of winning the normal symbol lottery is, for example, 2 times, and the time required for each opening is, for example, 2.0 seconds. In this way, during the support game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 with respect to the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol gate 17 is shorter and the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is higher than when the support game is not executed. In addition, the degree of opening of the second special symbol start port 28 at the time of winning the normal symbol lottery (including the number of times of opening and the time required for each opening) is high. Accordingly, during the probability variation game, the electric tulip accessory 19 is frequently expanded, and the game balls flowing down the board surface of the game board 5 are likely to enter the second special symbol start opening 28 frequently.

  In the above-mentioned support game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 is shortened compared to when the support game is not executed, the winning probability of the normal symbol lottery is lower than when the support game is not executed, and the normal symbol is displayed. The degree of opening of the second special symbol start port 28 at the time of winning the lottery is set lower than when the support game is not executed. However, it is not necessary for the support game to perform all three, and it is sufficient that at least two of them are performed. In addition, the winning probability during the support game, the symbol variation time of the normal symbol display means 26 during the support game, the number of times the second special symbol start port 28 is opened during the support game, and each opening shown in the above embodiment. Needless to say, the time required is only an example and is not limited thereto.

  During the special profit state, the big prize opening 20 is opened by swinging the big prize opening / closing plate 21. In the special profit state, the grand prize opening 20 is opened until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses or until a predetermined number of gaming balls (for example, 10 balls) enter the big prize opening 20 in advance. Such an operation is performed only for a plurality of rounds (for example, 2 rounds, 15 rounds, etc.) with an interval between them, assuming that the operation of the special prize opening opening / closing plate 21 is one round.

In addition, one or a plurality of normal winning openings 25 are arranged on the surface of the game board 5. In FIG. 2, two normal winning openings 25 are arranged in the lower left part of the board surface of the game board 5. When a game ball enters the normal winning opening 25, a predetermined number (for example, three balls) of prize balls are paid out from the prize ball payout device 50 (see FIG. 3).
Among the game balls flowing down along the board surface of the game board 5, the game balls that have not entered any of the first and second special symbol start openings 18, 28, the big winning opening 20, and the normal winning opening 25 (out balls) Is collected in the machine from the out port 24 formed in the lower part of the board surface of the game board 5.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the ball game machine 1.
The ball game machine 1 includes a main control board 30 that controls the operation of the game, an effect control board 31 that controls the effect control, and a payout control board 32 for paying out the game balls from the ball game machine 1. Yes.
The payout control board 32 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 32A, a RAM 32B, a ROM 32C, and the like, and is directly connected to the main control board 30. To the payout control board 32, a prize ball payout device 50 is connected as a control target.

The effect control board 31 is connected to the main control board 30 via the effect interface board 33. A liquid crystal display control board 34 is connected to the effect control board 31 via an effect interface board 33.
The liquid crystal display control board 34 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 34A, a RAM 34B, and a ROM 34C. The liquid crystal display unit 15 is connected to the liquid crystal display control board 34 as a control target.

  The main control board 30 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 30A, a RAM 30B, and a ROM 30C. The main control board 30 is connected to the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23 and the normal symbol display means 26 as control targets. Further, the main control board 30 has detection outputs from special symbol start port entrance sensors 36 and 37 for detecting balls entering the first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 (see FIG. 2), respectively. Is entered directly.

  The main control board 30 has a detection output from a normal gate passage sensor 38 for detecting that a game ball has passed through the normal symbol gate 17 (see FIG. 2) via the game board relay board 35. The detection output from the big winning opening entrance ball sensor 39 for detecting that the gaming ball has entered the winning opening 20 (see FIG. 2), and the fact that the gaming ball has entered the normal winning opening 25 (see FIG. 2). A detection output from the normal winning opening entrance ball sensor 40 for detection is inputted.

Further, the main control board 30 has an electric tulip driving mechanism (for example, including solenoids) 41 for driving the electric tulip accessory 19 (see FIG. 2) via the game board relay board 35, and a grand prize. A prize winning opening / closing mechanism (including solenoids, for example) 42 for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 21 (see FIG. 2) is connected as a control target.
A speaker 28 and a game lamp 27 are connected to the effect interface board 33 as control targets via a frame relay board 43. In addition, the effect button 11 is connected to the effect interface board 33. When the effect button 11 is pressed, an operation input signal is input from the effect button 11 to the effect control board 31 via the effect interface board 33.

  The production control board 31 determines specific production contents of the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the control command signal from the main control board 30 and outputs a control command signal describing the production contents to the control target. . Specifically, the control command signal output from the effect control board 31 is given to the liquid crystal display control board 34 via the effect interface board 33. The liquid crystal display control board 34 controls the display of the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the content of a control command signal (in this case, a control command signal for liquid crystal control) sent from the effect control board 31.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of portions related to the effect control board 31 and the effect interface board 33.
The effect control board 31 includes a microcomputer including a CPU 31A and a memory 31B.
In addition, the memory 31B includes a data storage unit (not shown) for storing data for effect execution, a lottery table (not shown) for effect execution, and the like. In the data storage section, image data of the effect symbol of the liquid crystal display unit 15, background image data, character image data, audio data for audio output, and the like are stored.

Buffer circuits 52, 53, and 54 are mounted on the effect interface board 33.
The control command signal output from the main control board 30 is input to the effect control board 31 via the buffer circuit 52 of the effect interface board 33. The production control board 31 determines specific production contents based on the variation pattern command signal included in the control command signal sent from the main control board 30. This effect content is not limited to the display content such as the display image on the liquid crystal display unit 15, but the content of the lamp effect by lighting or blinking lamps (including the game lamp 27), the sound output from the speaker 28, and the like. Includes audio content.

The control command signal transmitted from the effect control board 31 is output to the liquid crystal display control board 34, the frame relay board 43, and the like via the buffer circuit 53 of the effect interface board 33, respectively.
An operation input signal from the effect button 11 is input to the effect control board 31 via the buffer circuit 54 of the effect interface board 33.

The bullet ball game machine 1 is provided with a button effect mode as an example of the effect mode. This button effect mode is an effect mode that appears during execution of a reach effect or the like in the liquid crystal display unit 15, for example. Whether the liquid crystal display unit 15 executes super reach A (special effect) after the button effect mode ends. This is an effect mode for determining whether or not.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen in the button effect mode in the liquid crystal display unit 15. The button effect mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

  In this button effect mode, the operation of the effect button 11 is validated, and button lottery (operation lottery) is executed every time the effect button 11 is operated. Note that the operation of the effect button 11 is invalidated during a period other than the button effect mode. Therefore, in this embodiment, the execution period of the button effect mode may be referred to as “effective period” or “button effective period”. During the button effect mode, the player continuously operates the effect button 11 (continuous hitting).

  During the button effect mode, the liquid crystal display unit 15 displays a progress degree display unit 55 for displaying the progress degree of the button effect mode, and a remaining period display part 61 for displaying the remaining execution period during the button effect mode. Is displayed. In addition, during the button effect mode, an illustration 59 (see FIG. 14D and the like) and a message 60 (see FIG. 14D and the like) are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15.

There are several stages (for example, 11 stages from stage “0” to stage “10”) in the degree of progress in the button production mode (hereinafter also referred to simply as “degree of progress”. The degree of arrival until execution of the special production). When the button lottery is won, the progress degree of the button effect mode is promoted to the next stage one step at a time and is reflected on the display of the progress degree display section 55.
The progress degree display unit 55 is configured by a so-called level meter, and is configured, for example, by stacking a plurality (for example, 10) of display portions 56 capable of being turned on / off. The progress degree display section 55 can be lit upward in order from the lowermost display part 56, and the progress degree of the button effect mode is represented by the number of display parts 56 to be lit. Therefore, the progress degree display unit 55 can display the progress degree of the button effect mode in a plurality of stages (for example, 11 stages from the stage “0” to the stage “10”).

  As shown in FIG. 5, the remaining period display unit 61 includes a level meter that extends in the left-right direction. In other words, the remaining period display unit 61 is a display unit for displaying the time limit for the button effect mode. In this remaining period display section 61, a bar-shaped background frame extending to the left and right (portion including both hatching display and white display) represents the total effective period of the button effect mode (that is, the entire execution period of the button effect mode), A bar-shaped display portion (hatched display portion) extending left and right in the background frame represents the remaining effective period of the button effect mode.

  In this embodiment, the execution period of the button effect mode is variably provided. More specifically, the execution period of the button effect mode is initially set to an initial value (for example, 5.0 seconds (sec)). However, during the button effect mode, the remaining effective period of the button effect mode is extended by, for example, 1.0 second (sec), for example, 3.0 seconds (sec) at the maximum. In other words, the execution period of the button effect mode may be, for example, a maximum of 8.0 seconds (sec).

  In this embodiment, when the number of button lottery wins in the button effect mode reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10 times) (when the special effect execution condition is satisfied), the liquid crystal display unit 15 then performs super reach A ( Special production) is executed. On the other hand, when the number of button lottery wins in the button production mode is less than the above number (10 times), the liquid crystal display unit 15 subsequently executes Super Reach B, which is less reliable than Super Reach A. The Note that Super Reach A may be executable even when the number of button lottery wins in the button effect mode has not reached a predetermined number (for example, 10 times) (when the special effect execution condition is not satisfied).

The memory 31B is provided with a button lottery table (winning numerical value storage means) 45 which is a lottery table for button lottery, a stage storage unit 46, a total effective period storage unit 48B, and the like. The button lottery table 45 will be described later with reference to FIG.
The stage storage unit 46 stores the degree of progress of the button effect mode (for example, 11 stages from the stage “0” to the stage “10”). Based on the progress degree of the button effect mode stored in the stage storage section 46, a progress degree display section 55 (described later, see FIG. 14D) in the liquid crystal display unit 15 is displayed. Accordingly, when the progress degree stored in the stage storage unit 46 is, for example, the stage “3”, the display of the progress degree display unit 55 is the stage “3”. At this time, in the progress degree display section 55, the bottom display portion 56, the second display portion 56 from the bottom, and the third display portion 56 from the bottom are turned on. Further, when the progress degree stored in the stage storage unit 46 is, for example, the stage “8”, the display of the progress degree display unit 55 is the stage “8”. At this time, in the progress degree display portion 55, all the display portions 56 except the top display portion 56 and the second display portion 56 from the top are turned on.

The total effective period storage unit 48B stores the total effective period in the button effect mode. Based on the value of the total effective period storage unit 48B, the background frame of the remaining period display unit 61 of the liquid crystal display unit 15 (a part including both hatching display and white display) is displayed.
In addition, the effect control board 31 is provided with an external button lottery random number counter 47, a remaining effective period timer (remaining period timer) 49, an elapsed period timer 48C, and the like. For example, the button lottery random number counter 47 randomly generates button lottery random numbers (lottery random numbers) from “0” to “99”. The CPU 31A can acquire a button lottery random number generated by the button lottery random number counter 47.

  The remaining effective period timer 49 is for measuring the remaining execution period of the button effect mode (the remaining effective period of the effect button 11; hereinafter simply referred to as “remaining effective period”). The remaining effective period timer 49 is, for example, a subtraction type timer. With the start of the button effect mode, the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 is subtracted. For example, when 5.0 seconds (sec) is set as the time measurement time in the remaining effective period timer 49, the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 when, for example, 1.0 second (sec) has elapsed from the start of the timing is 4. 0 seconds (sec). Then, when 5.0 seconds, which is the counting time, has elapsed from the start of timing and the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 becomes “0”, the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 is thereafter maintained at “0”.

Further, based on the value of the remaining effective period timer 49, the display part (hatched display part) of the remaining period display part (remaining period display means) 61 of the liquid crystal display unit 15 is displayed.
The elapsed period timer 48C is for counting the elapsed period from the start time of the button effect mode. The elapsed period timer 48C is, for example, an addition type timer. The value of the elapsed period timer 48C is added with the start of the button effect mode.

The remaining period display unit 61 in the button effect mode may display only the remaining effective period without displaying the total effective period.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the button lottery table 45.
On the effect control board 31, an extension determination lottery for determining whether or not to extend the remaining execution period of the button effect mode is executed. When the extension determination lottery is won, the remaining effective period and the total effective period of the button effect mode are extended by a predetermined period (for example, 1.0 second (sec)).

  In this embodiment, the button lottery also serves as an extension determination lottery that determines whether or not the period extension of the button effect mode can be extended. In other words, the button lottery and the extension determination lottery are one lottery sharing a lottery random number (that is, a button lottery random number). In the button lottery table 45, a winning numerical value for button lottery (original button lottery (a lottery for a one-step promotion of display of the progress degree display section 55) (hereinafter referred to as “button winning lottery”). ")") And the winning numerical value for extension determination lottery (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "extended winning numerical value") are different from each other. By sharing lottery random numbers used for button lottery and extension determination lottery, the types of lottery random numbers to be used can be reduced, thereby facilitating program design.

  The button lottery table 45 stores button lottery random numbers in association with the value of the elapsed period timer 48C. In the button lottery table 45, the winning numerical value for the button lottery is determined so that the winning probability of the button lottery increases as the elapsed period timer 48C becomes longer. “Section A”, “Section B”, and “Section C” shown in FIG. 6 are divided into three periods elapsed from the start time of the button effect mode. “Section A” indicates when the value of the elapsed period timer 48C is 3.0 seconds (sec) or less, and “Section B” indicates that the value of the elapsed period timer 48C is 3.0 seconds (sec). It indicates when the time exceeds 5.0 seconds (sec), and “section C” indicates when the value of the elapsed period timer 48C exceeds 5.0 seconds (sec).

  Specifically, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is from “0” to “8”, and is in “Section A”, the button lottery (original button lottery. The winning probability (selection probability) of the lottery for the first stage promotion is, for example, 30%, the selection probability of the period extension is, for example, 10%, and the deviation is, for example, 60%. Further, when the degree of progress of the button effect mode is from “0” to “8” and is in “Section B”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 40%, The selection probability is, for example, 10%, and the deviation is, for example, 50%. Further, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is from “0” to “8”, and is in “section C”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 70%, The selection probability is 2%, for example, and the deviation is 28%, for example.

From FIG. 6, in the case where the progress degree of the button effect mode is “0” to “8”, the winning probability of the button lottery is greater when “section B” than when “section A”. It can be seen that (selection probability) is high. Further, it can be seen that the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is higher when in the “section C” than when in the “section B”.
Further, in the button lottery table 45, the winning numerical value is set so that the button winning probability when the progress degree of the button effect mode is the stage “9” is significantly lower than when the button winning mode is the stage “0” to the stage “8”. Is stipulated.

  More specifically, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is “9” and the time is “section A”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 0%, and the selection probability of the period extension is For example, 5%, and the deviation is, for example, 95%. Further, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is “9” and the time is “section B”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 5%, and the selection probability of the period extension is, for example, 25. %, And the deviation is, for example, 70%. Further, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is “9” and the time is in “section C”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 20%, and the selection probability of the period extension is, for example, 2 %, And the deviation is 78%, for example. In FIG. 6, the winning numerical values are not shown.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a control program for the main control board 30. The control program for the main control board 30 includes a system reset process (a process at the time of power-on shown in FIG. 7) that is a main process that is activated based on the restoration or turn-on of the power supply voltage.
Execution of the system reset process is started when power is turned on and a system reset signal from a power supply board (not shown) is input to the main control board 30. When system reset processing is executed, the power is turned on without clearing the RAM, such as when recovering from a power failure, or the power is turned on while the RAM is being cleared, such as when the amusement store is opened. The case where it will be in a state can be mentioned.

In these cases, the CPU 30A first sets itself to an interrupt disabled state and initializes the values of the respective registers built in the CPU 30A. Next, the CPU 30A waits until completion of the initial setting of peripheral boards (for example, boards such as the payout control board 32 and the effect control board 31) (various initial settings shown in FIG. 7).
Further, a voltage drop signal having a voltage level (for example, an ON state) indicating a power-on state is input to the main control board 30 as the power is turned on. If the voltage drop signal is at a voltage level indicating a power-on state, the CPU 30A then monitors whether or not a power-on command signal indicating that the payout control board 32 has started up normally is input from the payout control board 32. (Confirmation of payout control shown in FIG. 7).

  The CPU 30A to which the power-on command signal has been input next determines whether or not the RAM clear signal received from the power supply board (not shown) is at the L level (the level when the power is turned on while performing the RAM clear operation). If the RAM clear signal is at the L level, the entire area of the RAM 30B is cleared to zero and a RAM clear command signal for notifying the RAM clear is output to the peripheral substrates. On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal received by the main control board 30 is at the H level, it is determined whether or not the data (backup data) stored in the RAM 30B is valid (backup confirmation shown in FIG. 7). Specifically, the checksum (data error detection code) calculated by the CPU 30A based on the backup data stored in the RAM 30B at that time is used as the backup checksum stored in the SUM storage area of the RAM 30B. If they match, the backup data is valid if they match, and the backup data is invalid if they do not match.

When the execution of each of these processes is completed, the system reset process is terminated, and the main process (the process of the main loop in the figure) enters an infinite loop. During the infinite loop of the main process, the CPU 30A is set in the interrupt disabled state, and the updating process is executed for various counters. After the execution is completed, the CPU 30A is returned to the interrupt enabled state.
During an infinite loop of the main process, a maskable timer interrupt process is executed every 4 msec. More specifically, in the CPU 30A, on the condition that the CPU 30A is in the interrupt permitted state, the main process is interrupted every 4 msec, and the timer interrupt process is executed.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the flow of timer interrupt processing of the main control board 30. When the timer interrupt process is started, the power supply abnormality check process is immediately executed without saving the register of the CPU 30A (step S1). In this power supply abnormality check process, the level of the voltage drop signal supplied to the main control board 30 from a power supply board (not shown) connected to the main control board 30 is determined. When it is detected over one or a plurality of timer interruption processes that the level of the voltage drop signal is a level indicating power interruption, the process proceeds to a backup process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the voltage drop signal is at a level that does not indicate power-off, timer subtraction processing is performed for each timer that manages the game operation time (S2: timer management processing). The timer to be subtracted here is mainly used for managing the expansion time of the electric tulip accessory 19 and the opening time of the special prize opening 20.
Next, an input management process is executed (step S3). The input management process stores the contents of detection outputs of various sensors provided in the ball game machine 1 (for example, whether the various detection sensors output an on / off signal, whether they are on or off), This is a process of periodically updating data based on the. Examples of the various sensors include the special symbol start entrance ball sensors 36 and 37, the normal gate passage sensor 38, the big winning entrance entrance sensor 39, the ordinary winning entrance entrance sensor 40, and the like.

Next, it is used for the value of a random symbol for normal symbol determination (not shown) used in the normal symbol determination in the normal symbol management process (step S7) described later, and the jackpot determination in the special symbol management process (step S9) described later. The value of the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) is updated (S4: Timer interrupt random number management process).
Next, an error management process is performed to determine whether or not the supply of game balls to the ball supply mechanism (not shown) for supplying game balls to the prize ball payout device 50 is stopped or whether or not the game balls are clogged (step S5). . In this error management process, it is also determined whether or not an abnormality has occurred inside the ball game machine 1.

Next, in order to instruct the number of payouts to the prize ball payout device 50 corresponding to the number of game balls that have been entered (winning) into the winning openings 18, 20, 25, 28, confirmation of the prize information and command signal data A prize ball management process is performed (step S6).
Next, normal symbol management processing is performed (step S7). In this normal symbol management process, a normal symbol determination process (equivalent to the above-described normal symbol lottery) for determining whether or not to expand the electric tulip accessory 19 is executed. More specifically, the value of the normal symbol determination random number acquired from the normal symbol determination random number counter (not shown) updated by the random number management process in timer interruption in step S4 is compared with the numerical value per normal symbol.

Then, in the normal symbol determination process, when the value of the random number for normal symbol coincides with the numerical value per normal symbol, a process for the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 19 is executed, and thereafter the electric tulip accessory 19 The process which implement | achieves this expansion operation is performed (S8: normal electric-powered article management process).
Next, a special symbol management process is performed (step S9). In this special symbol management process, a jackpot determination process for determining whether or not to execute the special profit state is executed. More specifically, the value of the jackpot determination random number acquired from the jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) updated by the random number management process in timer interruption in step S4 is compared with the jackpot value.

Then, when the value of the jackpot determination random number matches the jackpot value in the jackpot determination process, a process for the opening operation of the big prize opening 20 (opening / closing operation of the big prize opening opening / closing plate 21) is executed, and thereafter A process for realizing the opening operation of the special winning opening 20 is executed (S10: special electric accessory management process).
Next, a lamp management process for turning on and off a predetermined lamp managed by the main control board 30 is executed (step S11).

Next, the CPU 30A is returned to the interrupt permission state, and the timer interrupt process is finished (step S12). As a result, the routine of the timer interrupt process is exited, and an infinite loop main process (system reset process) is executed. In this main processing, monitoring of voltage abnormality and confirmation of presence / absence of timer interrupt processing are performed.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the special symbol management process in step S9.

  During the game by the bullet ball gaming machine 1, the CPU 30A monitors the entrance of the game ball to the first special symbol start port 18, and when a game ball enters the first special symbol start port 18, the CPU 30A A ball entry process is performed (step S21: these are collectively referred to as a “first start port check process”). In addition, the CPU 30A monitors the entry of the game ball into the second special symbol start port 28, and performs a predetermined ball entry process when the game ball enters the second special symbol start port 28 (step). S22: These are collectively referred to as “second starter check process”).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the first start port check process. The RAM 30B is provided with a first reserved storage area (not shown). In the first reserved storage area, a jackpot determination random number, a special symbol random number, a first variation pattern random number, and a second variation pattern random number (the above random numbers are collectively referred to as “start-up storage”. The same applies hereinafter. ) Can be stored up to, for example, five. One of the start memories is stored in the first reserved storage area for executing the symbol variation of the first special symbol display means 22, and the remaining four are stored for the symbol variation operation of the first special symbol display means 22 for holding. 1 is stored in the reserved storage area. The number of starting memories stored for holding in the first holding storage area is stored in a first special symbol holding ball counter (not shown) provided in the RAM 30B.

During a game by the bullet ball gaming machine 1, the CPU 30 </ b> A monitors the entry of the game ball into the first special symbol starting port 18. That is, when a game ball enters the first special symbol start opening 18, the detection output (for example, on / off state) of the first special symbol start opening ball sensor 36 changes. Thereby, the entrance of the game ball to the first special symbol start port 18 is detected.
In the state where the number of starting memories stored for holding in the first holding storage area is less than the holding ball number upper limit (the number of holding balls MAX, for example, four), a game ball is placed in the first special symbol starting port 18. When the player enters a ball (wins the special figure 1 start opening) (YES in step S41 and NO in step S42), the value of the first special symbol reserved ball number counter (the value of the special symbol 1 action reserved ball number) is incremented. At the same time (+1) (step S43), the start memory obtained in response to the entry is stored in the first reserved memory area (step S44).

  In step S44, specifically, the CPU 30A obtains a jackpot determination random number from a jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) and also acquires a special symbol random number from a special symbol random counter (not shown) to determine a jackpot determination. The random number for special use and the random number for special symbol are stored in the first reserved storage area. Further, the CPU 30A obtains a first variation pattern random number from a first variation pattern random number counter (not shown), and obtains a second variation pattern random number from a second variation pattern random number counter (not shown). The random numbers for the first and second variation patterns are stored in a first reserved storage area provided in the RAM 30B. Thereafter, the first start opening check process is returned.

  The first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23 are not in a symbol changing operation, are not in a special profit state, and the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23 are not suspended. When a game ball enters the first special symbol start port 18, the start memory acquired in accordance with the ball is stored for execution in the first reserved storage area. On the other hand, in the state where the start memory is already stored for execution in the first or second reserved storage area, during the symbol changing operation of the first or second special symbol display means 22, 23, or during the special profit state, When a game ball enters the one special symbol start opening 18, the start memory acquired in response to the ball is stored in the first hold storage area for holding. The starting memory stored for holding in the first holding memory area is a second memory to be described later when the execution of the symbol changing operation of the first special symbol display means 22 corresponding to the starting memory stored for execution is completed. The starting storage is not already stored in the reserved storage area for execution, and the second special symbol display means 23 is not in the symbol changing operation and is not in the special profit state. Thereby, the symbol variation operation of the first special symbol display means 22 corresponding to the start-up memory that has been put on hold is sequentially executed.

Instead of storing the jackpot determination random number in the first reserved storage area of the RAM 30B, the winning result itself by comparing the acquired jackpot determination random number with a predetermined jackpot value may be stored. Needless to say.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the second start port check process. The RAM 30B is provided with a second reserved storage area (not shown). In the second reserved storage area, for example, a maximum of 5 starting memories can be stored, one of which is for executing the symbol variation of the second special symbol display means 23 and the remaining four are the second special symbols. The information is stored for holding the symbol changing operation of the display means 23. The number of start memories stored for holding in the second holding storage area is stored in a second special symbol holding ball counter (not shown) provided in the RAM 30B.

During the game by the ball game machine 1, the CPU 30A monitors the entry of the game ball into the second special symbol start port 28. That is, when a game ball enters the second special symbol start opening 28, the detection output (for example, an on / off state) of the second special symbol start opening ball sensor 37 changes. Thereby, the entrance of the game ball to the second special symbol start port 28 is detected.
In the state where the number of starting memories stored for holding in the second holding storage area is less than the holding ball number upper limit (holding ball number MAX, for example, four), a game ball is placed in the second special symbol starting port 28. When the player enters a ball (wins the special symbol 2 starting opening) (YES in step S51 and NO in step S52), the value of the second special symbol reserved ball number counter (the value of the special symbol 2 action reserved ball number) is incremented. At the same time (+1) (step S53), the start memory acquired in response to the incoming ball is stored in the second reserved storage area (step S54).

  In step S54, specifically, the CPU 30A obtains a jackpot determination random number from a jackpot determination random number counter (not shown) and also acquires a special symbol random number from a special symbol random counter (not shown) to determine a jackpot determination. The random number for special use and the random number for special symbol are stored in the second reserved storage area. Further, the CPU 30A obtains a first variation pattern random number from a first variation pattern random number counter (not shown), and obtains a second variation pattern random number from a second variation pattern random number counter (not shown). The random numbers for 1 and the second variation pattern are stored in a second reserved storage area provided in the RAM 30B. Thereafter, the second start port check process is returned.

  The second special symbol is not in the special variable state of the first and second special symbol display means 22, 23, and is not in the special profit state, and there is no suspension of the symbol variable operation of the second special symbol display means 23. When a game ball enters the start port 28, the start memory acquired in response to the ball is stored for execution in the second reserved storage area. On the other hand, when the start memory is already stored for execution in the second reserved storage area, during the symbol changing operation of the first or second special symbol display means 22, 23, or during the special profit state, the second special symbol When a game ball enters the start port 28, the start memory acquired for that ball is stored in the second reservation storage area for reservation. The start memory stored for holding in the second reserved memory area is the first special symbol when the execution of the symbol changing operation of the second special symbol display means 23 corresponding to the start memory stored for execution is completed. On the condition that the display means 22 is not in the symbol changing operation and is not in the special profit state, it is sequentially advanced for execution. Thereby, the symbol variation operation of the second special symbol display means 23 corresponding to the start-up memory that has been put on hold is sequentially executed.

Instead of storing the jackpot determination random number in the second reserved storage area of the RAM 30B, the winning result itself by comparing the acquired jackpot determination random number with a predetermined jackpot value may be stored. Needless to say.
With reference to FIG. 9 again, the flow of the special symbol management process will be described.
After executing the first start-up port check process in step S21 and the second start-up port check process in step S22, the CPU 30A refers to the value of a small hitting / medium flag (not shown) provided in the RAM 30B, and the ball game It is checked whether or not the machine 1 is executing a small hit game (step S23). When the small hit game is not executed (NO in step S23), the CPU 30A then refers to the value of the condition device operation flag (not shown) provided in the RAM 30B, and the ball game machine 1 is special. It is checked whether or not the profit state is being executed (step S24).

  In this ball game machine 1, when the value of the small hit / medium flag (for example, 2-byte configuration) provided in the RAM 30B is “5A [H]”, for example, the small hit game is being executed. When the value of the middle flag is “00 [H]”, for example, it is determined that the small hit game is not executed. Further, when the value of the condition device operation flag (2-byte configuration) provided in the RAM 30B is, for example, “5A [H]”, it is determined that the special profit state is in effect, and the value of the condition device operation flag is, for example, “00 [ H] ”, it is assumed that the special profit state is not executed.

  When the ball game machine 1 is in the small hit game (and is not executed in the special profit state) (YES in step S23), the ball game machine 1 is not in the small hit game and is in the special profit If the state is not being executed (YES in step S24), then the special symbol display data used for display of the special symbol display means 22 and 23 is updated, and then this special management processing is returned. .

  On the other hand, if the ball game machine 1 is in the special profit state (YES in step S24), then the special symbol operation status is determined. If the content of the special symbol operation status is, for example, “00 [H]” or “01 [H]”, the CPU 30A then executes a special symbol variation start process (step S27), and the content of the special symbol operation status is For example, in the case of “02 [H]”, the CPU 30A then executes a special symbol changing process (step S28). On the other hand, when the content of the special symbol operation status is “03 [H]”, for example, the CPU 30A executes a special symbol confirmation time process (step S29). Next, the special symbol display data used for the display of the special symbol display means 22, 23 is updated, and then this special management processing is returned (step S30).

  In the special symbol variation start process in step S27, the value of the first or second special symbol reserved ball counter (not shown) corresponding to the special symbol subject to special symbol variation is decremented (−1) and In the first or second reserved storage area corresponding to the special symbol, the start memory that has been stored for holding or the newly stored start memory is stored for holding. Then, by comparing the value of the jackpot determination random number included in the start memory with the jackpot value, it is determined whether or not the special profit state is executed (jackpot determination).

  In the special symbol variation start process, the special symbol to be displayed on the special symbol display means 22, 23 is determined after the symbol variation operation based on the result of the jackpot determination and the value of the special symbol random number included in the start memory. The Furthermore, in the special symbol variation start process, the variation of the effect symbol variation in the liquid crystal display unit 15 based on the result of the jackpot determination and the random numbers for the first and second variation pattern random special symbols included in the start-up memory Determine the variation pattern. The variation pattern determined on the main control board 30 is given to the effect control board 31 via a variation pattern command signal.

  As shown in FIG. 14A described later, in the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 15, for example, three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, and 15R are set side by side. During the symbol changing operation of the first or second special symbol display means 22, 23, at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, 15R, a plurality of types of effect symbols (numerals (for example, “0” to “9”). )) Is scroll-displayed from the top to the bottom, for example, so that the changing operation of the effect symbol is performed.

  In the changing operation of the effect symbols, the effect symbols are stopped and displayed at two symbol display positions (for example, symbol display positions 15L and 15R) in the display screen of the liquid crystal display unit 15, and the remaining one symbol display position (for example, symbol display position) is displayed. 15C) without changing the reach state in which the effect symbol is determined by stopping and displaying the effect symbol, and the variation operation in which the effect symbol for deviation is displayed at the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C, and 15R. After the normal reach, the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C and 15R are displayed in the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C and 15R, and after the super reach, the three symbol display positions 15L, 15C and 15C are displayed. , 15R includes a variation operation in which a jackpot effect symbol or a loss effect symbol is displayed.

  The normal reach is a reach that stops after the effect symbol (final stop symbol) at the remaining one symbol display position (for example, 15C) slowly fluctuates at a substantially constant speed. The super reach is, for example, a reach in which the effect symbol (final stop symbol) at the remaining one symbol display position 15C stops after varying at various fluctuation speeds longer than the normal reach. In this ball game machine 1, a super reach A having a high jackpot reliability and a super reach B having a lower jackpot reliability than the super reach A are prepared as super reach.

    Next, the flow of processing when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 17 will be described. The RAM 30B is provided with a normal symbol storage area (not shown). The normal symbol holding storage area can store up to, for example, up to five normal symbol determination random numbers, one of which is used for executing symbol variation of the normal symbol display means 26, and the other four are normal symbol displays. The information is stored for holding the symbol variation operation of the means 26.

  During the game by the ball game machine 1, the CPU 30 </ b> A monitors the passing of the game ball at the normal symbol gate 17. The game ball is normal in a state where the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 26 is not performed, the electric tulip accessory 19 is not being expanded, and the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 26 is not suspended. When the symbol gate 17 is passed, the normal symbol determination random value acquired in response to the passage is stored for execution in the normal symbol hold storage area, and immediately after that, the normal symbol determination random value and The numerical value per ordinary symbol is compared, and the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 26 is executed according to the determination result.

  On the other hand, when a game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 17 while the normal symbol determination random number for execution is already stored in the normal symbol holding storage area or during the expansion operation of the electric tulip accessory 19 The random symbol value for determining the normal symbol acquired in response to the passage is stored in the normal symbol holding storage area for holding. When the normal symbol display random number value stored for holding in the normal symbol hold storage area is terminated, the electric tulip is executed when the normal symbol display means 26 corresponding to the normal symbol determination random number for execution ends. On the condition that the expanding operation of the accessory 19 is not in progress, it is sequentially moved up for execution. As a result, the symbol changing operation of the normal symbol display means 26 corresponding to the reserved normal symbol determining random number value is sequentially executed.

When the normal symbol lottery is won, the electric tulip accessory 19 expands after the symbol variation operation in the normal symbol display means 26 ends. Thereby, the 2nd special symbol starting port 28 opens.
Instead of storing the normal symbol determination random number value in the normal symbol holding storage area of the RAM 30B, the result of winning by comparing the acquired normal symbol determination random value with a predetermined numerical value per normal symbol is stored. It goes without saying that it may be possible to do so.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of the effect lottery process executed on the effect control board 31. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the button effect mode included in the effect lottery process. 14A to 14G are diagrams illustrating images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 in association with the button effect mode.
The flow of the effect lottery process, particularly the button effect mode, will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 12, a predetermined variation pattern command signal from the main control board 30 is input to the effect control board 31. For example, when a variation pattern command signal for executing a predetermined super reach is input to the main control board 30, the CPU 31A executes an effect type lottery (step S101). When the execution of the button effect mode is determined in the effect type lottery (button effect winning, YES in step S102), the processes of steps S103 and S104 described below are executed. On the other hand, when execution of a process other than the button effect mode is determined (NO in step S102), other effect processes corresponding to the lottery result are executed (step S105). Hereinafter, a case where execution of the button effect mode is determined in the effect type lottery will be described.

  At this time, for example, 5.0 seconds (sec) is set as the initial value in the remaining effective period timer 49 (step S103). Thereafter, the button effect mode is executed (step S104). In synchronization with the start of the button effect mode, timing by the remaining effective period timer 49 and the elapsed period timer 48C, that is, subtraction of the remaining effective period timer 49 and addition of the elapsed period timer 48C are started.

  Prior to the execution of the button effect mode, for example, an image (see FIG. 14A) showing the reach state of the effect symbol is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. Prior to the start of the execution of the button effect mode, the display of the liquid crystal display unit 15 notifies the user that the button effect mode (for example, an enemy capture game) has entered from the image (see FIG. 14A) showing the reach state of the effect symbol. It is switched to the button effect mode preview image (see FIG. 14B). Thereafter, a button effect mode start image (see FIG. 14C) for notifying the player of the start of the button effect mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15 with the start of the button effect mode. This button effect mode start image includes an illustration 57 for prompting the player to operate the effect button 11 and a message 58 for notifying the player of the start of the button effect mode.

  Thereafter, a button effect mode in-progress image (see FIG. 14D) for notifying the player that the button effect mode is in effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 15. This button effect mode image includes an illustration 59 for prompting the player to operate the effect button 11, a message 60 for prompting the player to continuously operate the effect button 11, a progress display unit 55, and a remaining period display unit 61. including.

  In this button effect mode, as shown in FIG. 13, when the execution period of the button effect mode remains (when the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 is not zero) (YES in step S111), the remaining effective period timer 49 Is continuously subtracted until it becomes zero (step S112). When the execution period of the button effect mode remains (YES in step S111), button lottery is executed each time the effect button 11 is operated by the player. If the result of this button lottery is winning, the display on the progress degree display section 55 is promoted (increased) by one level. Further, if the result of the button lottery is off, there is no change in the display content of the progress degree display unit 55.

As described above, this button lottery also serves as an extension determination lottery. As a result of the button lottery, when the extension of the button effect mode period is selected (that is, the extension determination lottery is won), the length of the background frame and the length of the display portion in the remaining period display unit 61 are increased (rightward). Extend to).
When the effect button 11 is operated (YES in step S113), an operation signal is input to the effect control board 31. In response to the input of the operation signal to the effect control board 31, the effect control board 31 executes button lottery (steps S114 to S116). Specifically, when an operation signal is input to the effect control board 31, the CPU 31A acquires a random number for button lottery (step S114). Further, the CPU 31A acquires the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 and the value of the elapsed period timer 48C at the operation timing of the effect button 11 (step S115).

Then, the CPU 31A refers to the button lottery table 45 and compares the acquired button lottery random value with the winning numerical values corresponding to the acquired value of the remaining valid period timer 49 and the value of the elapsed period timer 48C (step). S116).
In step S116, specifically, the CPU 31A classifies the elapsed period from the start of the button effect mode at the operation timing of the effect button 11 based on the value of the elapsed period timer 48C (“section A” shown in FIG. 6). , “Section B” and “Section C”), and the division after the determination is compared with the winning numerical value corresponding to the value of the remaining effective period timer 49.

In addition, as described above, the button lottery table 45 defines not only button winning numbers but also extended winning numbers (see FIG. 6).
When the button lottery random number value matches the button winning numerical value (YES in step S117), the CPU 31A executes a winning effect (step S118) and increments the value in the stage storage unit 46 of the memory 31B (+1). Thus, the degree of progress stored in the stage storage unit 46 is promoted by one stage. The advancement of the progress degree is reflected in the display of the progress degree display unit 55 in the liquid crystal display unit 15, and the progress degree displayed on the progress degree display unit 55 is promoted by one step. In this embodiment, execution of the winning effect in step S118 includes promotion of the progress degree of the progress degree display unit 55 and winning sound output from the speaker 28 in conjunction with the promotion in the progress degree display unit 55. It is done.

  On the other hand, when the random number for button lottery coincides with the value for extended winning (NO in step S117 and YES in step S124), the value stored in the total effective period storage unit 48B at that time is 8.0 seconds. On the condition that it is less than (sec) (NO in step S125), 1.0 second (sec) is added to the value of the remaining effective period counter 49, and 1.0 is added to the value of the total effective period storage unit 48B. Second (sec) is added (step S126). Thereafter, a command signal (display control command) for display control is transmitted from the effect control board 31 to the liquid crystal display control board 34 (step S127), and the length of the background frame in the remaining period display unit 61 of the liquid crystal display unit 15 The length of the display portion extends to the right by a length corresponding to 1.0 second (sec) (see FIG. 14E). Such an extension of the button effect mode increases the number of effect buttons 11 that can be operated during the button effect mode (the number of button lotteries that can be executed during the button effect mode), so the probability that the special effect will be executed is increased. Can be increased.

  However, even if the random number for button lottery coincides with the value for extension winning (time extension winning value) (NO in step S117 and YES in step S124), it is stored in the total effective period storage unit 48B at that time. When the value reaches 8.0 seconds (sec) (YES in step S125), the process of step S126 and the process of step S127 are skipped.

  When the random number for button lottery does not match each of the numerical value for button winning and the extended winning numerical value (NO in step S117 and NO in step S121), the off effect is executed (step S121). For example, the output from the speaker 28 can be exemplified as the offending effect. As the off-stage effect, other modes such as display on the liquid crystal display unit can be performed, or the off-stage effect can be omitted.

When the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 remains (NO in step S122), the button effect mode process is returned until this value becomes zero.
When the number of button lottery wins in the button effect mode reaches 10, that is, when the value in the stage storage unit 46 of the memory 31B reaches the stage “10” (YES in step S119), the progress degree display unit 55 The uppermost display portion 56 (see FIG. 5, the display portion 56 described as “success”) lights up. At this time, the display of the liquid crystal display unit 15 is switched from the screen shown in FIG. 14D or 14E to the screen shown in FIG. 14F, for example, a screen on which a message “success!” Is drawn (see FIG. 14F). Thereafter, in the liquid crystal display unit 15, super reach A (special effect) is executed.

  On the other hand, when the value of the remaining effective period timer 49 becomes zero (NO in step S122) without reaching the number of button lottery wins, the display on the liquid crystal display unit 15 is displayed from the screens shown in FIGS. 14D and 14E. The screen changes to the screen shown in FIG. 14G, for example, the screen (see FIG. 14G) on which the message “failure!” Is drawn (step S123: button effect end effect), and the button effect mode ends. Thereafter, the super reach B is executed in the liquid crystal display unit 15.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the effect button 11 is operated in the button effect mode, the button lottery is executed. Further, in the button lottery, an extension determination lottery for determining whether or not to extend the button effect mode is also executed. The button production mode is extended by winning the extension determination lottery. By extending the button effect mode, the number of button lotteries that can be executed during the button effect mode increases, so the probability that the special effect will be executed can be increased. Thereby, the interest of button production mode can be improved further.

  Further, during the button effect mode, the remaining effective period of the button effect mode is displayed on the remaining period display unit 61 of the liquid crystal display unit 15. That is, the period displayed on the remaining period display unit 61 decreases with the passage of time in the button effect mode. And as a result of button lottery, if the period extension of button production mode is selected, the period displayed on the remaining period display part 61 will increase. Therefore, it is possible to make the player recognize the extension of the button effect mode period more effectively.

15A and 15B are diagrams showing the contents of button lottery tables (winning numerical value storage means) 145A and 145B included in the effect control board 131 of a ball game machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The effect control board 131 is provided in place of the above-described effect control board 31 and has the same configuration as the above-described effect control board 31 except that the button lottery tables 145 and 145B are provided in place of the button lottery table 45. It is what has.

The effect control board 131 executes a two-stage lottery as the button lottery (operation lottery). That is, in this embodiment, the button lottery is selected by the first button lottery for performing the one-stage promotion lottery (original button lottery) or the extension determination lottery for the display of the progress degree display unit 55, and the first button lottery. And a second button lottery for selecting a lottery table to be played.
The button lottery tables 145A and 145B include a plurality of button lottery tables 145A and 145B. Hereinafter, a case where the button lottery tables 145A and 145B include two buttons, the button lottery table 145A (see FIG. 15A) at the time of winning and the button lottery table 145B (see FIG. 15B) at the time of losing, will be described as an example. However, it goes without saying that three or more lottery tables may be included in the button lottery tables 145A and 145B.

As shown in FIG. 15A, the button lottery table 145A at the time of winning has the same contents as the button lottery table 45 shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 15B, in the button lottery table 145B at the time of losing, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is from the stage “0” to the stage “8”, the button lottery table 145B The winning probability (selection probability) is, for example, 20%, the selection probability of period extension is, for example, 5%, and the deviation is, for example, 75%. Further, when the degree of progress of the button effect mode is from “0” to “8” and is in “Section B”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 40%, The selection probability is 5%, for example, and the deviation is 55%, for example. Further, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is from “0” to “8”, and is in “Section C”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 50%, The selection probability is 1%, for example, and the deviation is 49%, for example.

  Further, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is the stage “9” and the time is “section A”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 0%, and the selection probability of the period extension is, for example, 3 %, And the deviation is, for example, 97%. Further, when the progress degree of the button production mode is the stage “9” and the time is “section B”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 0%, and the selection probability of the period extension is, for example, 15 %, And the deviation is, for example, 85%. Further, when the progress degree of the button effect mode is “9” and the time is “section C”, the winning probability (selection probability) of the button lottery is, for example, 0%, and the selection probability of the period extension is, for example, 1 %, And the deviation is, for example, 99%. In FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, the winning numerical values are not shown.

From FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, in the button lottery using the button lottery table 145B at the time of losing, as compared to the button lottery using the button lottery table 145A at the time of winning, the overall win probability (selection probability) of the button lottery ) And the period extension selection probability are low, and the selection probability of outliers is high.
When the operation signal from the operation button 11 is input to the effect control board 31, the first and second button lotteries are executed. In the second button lottery, a lottery table determination lottery is executed to determine whether the lottery table used in the first button lottery is the button lottery table 145A (see FIG. 15A) at the time of winning. In the first button lottery, the lottery is executed while referring to the button lottery tables 145A and 145B corresponding to the result of the second button lottery.

As mentioned above, although two embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can also be implemented with another form.
For example, in the button lottery tables 45, 145A, and 145B, the button winning numerical value and the extended winning numerical value are not completely different, and may partially overlap. In this case, both the button lottery and the extension determination lottery can be won simultaneously.

Further, the button lottery and the extension determination lottery may be realized by individual lottery using different lottery random numbers instead of one lottery sharing lottery random numbers.
In each of the above-described embodiments, the maximum period that can be extended from the initial total effective period is, for example, 3.0 seconds (sec). In this case, if the extension period per one period extension is, for example, 1.0 second (sec), the extendable period corresponds to a period in which the period extension can be performed three times. However, the extension period per one period extension can be set to a period comparable to the extendable period. In this case, the period extension can be executed only once during each button effect mode, and if the period extension is executed once, the subsequent period extension is stopped.

In addition, although the extension period per one period extension is one type (for example, 1.0 second (sec)), a plurality of types of extension periods may be provided.
Moreover, you may vary the selection ratio of period extension according to the progress degree of button production mode. In this case, for example, as the remaining effective period decreases, the selection ratio of the period extension may be increased. Specifically, in the button lottery tables 45, 145A, and 145B, the contents are set so that the period extension selection ratio in “Section B” is higher than the period extension selection ratio in “Section A”. Can do.

  In addition, the selection ratio of the period extension may be varied in response to the number of operations of the operation buttons 11 (cumulative operation count) in the button effect mode. In this case, the contents of the button lottery tables 45, 145A, and 145B can be set so that the period extension selection ratio increases as the number of operations increases. Furthermore, when the number of operations of the operation button 11 in the button effect mode (cumulative operation count) exceeds a predetermined number, the period extension of the button effect mode may be executed.

Further, the extension display of the remaining effective period on the remaining period display unit 61 of the liquid crystal display unit 15 is performed not at the timing when the period extension is selected and determined but at the timing when the initial total effective period (for example, 5.0 seconds) has elapsed. You can also.
Further, for example, in the button lottery tables 45, 145A and 145B, the operation interval of the effect button 11 is divided into three stages, but the operation interval of the effect button 11 may be divided into two stages or four stages. It may be the above.

In the button lottery tables 45, 145A, and 145B, the winning numerical values are determined so that the winning probability increases sequentially as the degree of progress of the button effect mode increases from “0” to “9”. It may be.
In addition to the button lottery, a demoted lottery for returning the degree of progress in the button effect mode can also be executed. In this case, for example, when the stage stored in the stage storage unit 46 is “3”, when the button lottery is won, the stage is promoted to one stage “4”, but instead, the demotion is performed simultaneously with the button lottery. If you win the lottery, you will be demoted to stage “2”.

As the remaining effective period display, the level meter display such as the remaining period display unit 61 is taken as an example, but the remaining effective period display may be a digital display.
Further, the progress degree of the button effect mode may be displayed in a stepless (multistage) manner. In this case, the degree of progress of the button effect mode stored in the stage storage unit 46 is also infinite (multistage).

Further, the progress degree display unit 55 may be a digital display instead of a level meter display.
In addition, a display unit (for example, a progress level display unit 55) for displaying the progress level of the button effect mode and a display unit for displaying the remaining effective period are provided on the game board 5 separately from the liquid crystal display means. You may display on a display. Further, the progress degree of the button effect mode and the remaining effective period may be notified by a light effect by the game lamp or the game lamp 27 of the game board 5. Furthermore, the progress degree of the button effect mode and the remaining effective period may be output as audio from the speaker 28. Further, the progress of the button effect mode and the remaining effective period are notified by a display (including the liquid crystal display unit 15), lighting by a game lamp (including the game lamp 27), and sound output by the speaker 28. Of these, two or more types may be executed in combination.

Moreover, although the example of the button effect mode of the game mode whether the display of the progress degree display part 55 reaches | attains a predetermined stage was shown, it cannot be overemphasized that another game mode may be sufficient.
Further, as the special effect, the execution of the predetermined super reach has been described as an example in each of the above-described embodiments, but other reach and the execution of the notice can be adopted as the special effect. In addition, the promotion effect that promotes to the probability change jackpot after the jackpot is established, the jackpot effect when the jackpot is established, the probability variation jackpot decision effect that determines the probability variation jackpot game, the high round jackpot decision effect that determines the jackpot game with many rounds, etc. Can be adopted as a special effect.

Needless to say, an addition type timer may be adopted as the remaining effective period timer 49, and a subtraction type timer may be adopted as the elapsed period timer 48C.
In addition, the production button 11 has been described as an example of the production operation means. However, other buttons and other switches may be used as long as the operation button 11 can be operated from the outside. Good.

In addition, with respect to the variation order of the special symbols in the first and second special symbol display means 22 and 23, the variation in the order of entry in which the symbol variation operation is executed in the order of entry into the first or second special symbol start opening 18, 28. A mode may be sufficient, and the mode of simultaneous variation in which both perform symbol variation operation independently may be sufficient.
In the above description, the configuration in which the first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 are arranged in an aggregated manner is taken as an example. However, the first and second special symbol start ports 18 and 28 are connected to the game board. 5 may be disposed at positions separated from each other. Moreover, it is not restricted to the structure which provides two of the 1st and 2nd special symbol starting openings 18 and 28, You may provide one as the special symbol starting openings 18 and 28.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

1 Ball game machine (game machine)
11 production buttons (production operation means)
31A CPU (effect mode start control means, effect mode end control means, extension determination lottery execution means, addition means, lottery random number acquisition means)
45 button lottery table (value storage means for winning)
49 Remaining effective period timer (Remaining period timer)
61 Remaining period display section (remaining period display means)
145A Button lottery table (value storage means for winning)
145B button lottery table (value storage means for winning)

Claims (6)

It is an effect mode for determining whether or not to execute a special effect advantageous to the player, which has an effect operation means that can be operated by the player, and a predetermined operation related to the operation of the effect operation means In a gaming machine in which an effect mode is prepared in which a lottery is executed and the special effect is executed after completion of execution of the effect mode when the operation lottery is won and a predetermined special effect execution condition is satisfied,
A remaining period management means for managing the remaining execution period of the rendering mode;
Production mode end control means for ending the production mode in response to the absence of the period managed by the remaining period management means,
In connection with the operation of the effect operation means, an extension determination lottery execution means for executing an extension determination lottery for determining whether or not to extend the remaining execution period of the effect mode;
A game machine comprising: a period extension means for extending a period managed by the remaining period management means when the extension determination lottery is won.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the period extending unit extends a period managed by the remaining period managing unit up to a predetermined upper limit period. In response to an operation of the production operation means during execution of the production mode, further includes a lottery random number obtaining means for obtaining a lottery random number for the operation lottery,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the operation lottery and the extension determination lottery are one lottery that shares the lottery random number acquired by the lottery random number acquisition unit. A winning numerical value storage means for storing the winning numerical value for the operation lottery and the winning numerical value for the extension determination lottery;
The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the winning numerical value for operation lottery stored in the winning numerical value storage means and the winning numerical value for extension determination lottery are different from each other. The remaining period management means includes a remaining period timer composed of a subtraction timer,
The gaming machine further includes presentation mode start control means for starting execution of the presentation mode and starting subtraction of the remaining period timer,
The effect mode end control means ends the effect mode when the value of the remaining period timer becomes zero,
The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the period extension means includes addition means for adding a value of the remaining period timer when the extension determination lottery is won.   The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising remaining period display means for displaying a period managed by the remaining period management means.

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